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Scallops are a quick and classy supper option that become soft and delicious in the air fryer. Each bite will have just the right amount of zing thanks to the dab of lemon-herb sauce on top.
For this recipe, we use sea scallops, which are bigger than bay scallops. Sea scallops and bay scallops are the two varieties of scallops typically seen in grocery stores and seafood markets. Bay scallops are small, with the majority measuring half an inch in diameter, and are found in bays and shallow waters throughout the East Coast. Sea scallops are larger, some reaching a diameter of two inches, and are found in deep, cold ocean areas all around the world.
Typically, sea scallops have a pale pink or creamy off-white color. In order for the scallops to cook uniformly in the air fryer, look for dry-packed scallops that are roughly the same size and thickness while purchasing.
Ingredients
- 8 large (1-oz.) sea scallops
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped capers
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic
Steps
To get scallops ready to cook
Find each scallop's side muscle. On one side of the scallop, there is a fibrous portion of meat called the side muscle. The scallop was formerly attached to the shell by this.
Grab the muscle fiber between your thumb and forefinger and squeeze. Till the muscle pulls away, tug firmly.
To get rid of any surface moisture, pat each scallop dry.
Add salt and pepper to the scallops. Spray cooking spray to the air fryer's basket. Put the scallops in the basket and sprinkle cooking spray on them. Set the basket inside the fryer. The scallops should be cooked at 400°F for 6 minutes or until the interior temperature reaches 120°F.
In a small bowl, mix the oil, parsley, capers, lemon zest, and garlic. Pour the dressing over the scallops.